Marvel And Dc, There Is Only One Actor Who Had A Horrible Death In Both Universes

In the expansive worlds of Marvel and DC, few actors can claim the unique distinction of having portrayed characters in both universes. Even fewer can say they played characters who met tragic ends in both. Adam Beach stands out as one such actor, having left his mark on both the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and the Marvel universe, albeit in films that received lukewarm receptions from critics and fans alike.

Adam Beach’s Tragic Roles in the Comic Book Universe

Adam Beach, a talented actor of Indigenous descent, brought to life two significant yet ultimately doomed characters in the comic book cinematic world. His roles in Suicide Squad (2016) and The New Mutants (2020) are memorable for the dramatic and untimely deaths his characters faced—deaths that would echo throughout the storylines of both films.

Slipknot’s Short-Lived Presence in DC’s Suicide Squad (2016)

In Suicide Squad, Beach took on the role of Christopher Weiss, better known as Slipknot. This character was introduced as a man with a unique ability: he could scale anything. However, despite the intriguing potential of this skill, Slipknot was given very limited development. His screen time was minimal, and his fate was sealed almost as soon as he appeared.

Slipknot's death is one of the most memorable moments of Suicide Squad, but not necessarily for the right reasons. In an attempt to escape from the mission, a bomb implanted in the base of his skull was detonated, resulting in his decapitation. The scene quickly became a meme, as many predicted Slipknot would be the first to die due to his seemingly useless ability. This moment was intended to highlight the seriousness of the situation for the characters, emphasizing that their lives were in constant danger. However, the impact of this shock factor was diminished as the film failed to fully exploit this element of suspense, a shortcoming that was later addressed in James Gunn’s sequel/reboot, The Suicide Squad (2021).

William Lonestar’s Heroic Sacrifice in Marvel’s The New Mutants (2020)

In The New Mutants, Adam Beach portrayed William Lonestar, the father of the film's protagonist, Dani Moonstar (played by Blu Hunt). While this role allowed Beach more screen time than his portrayal of Slipknot, it still ended in tragedy.

Lonestar’s death occurs early in the film and serves as a catalyst for the plot. In a devastating attack on their reservation, seemingly caused by a tornado, William dies while trying to protect his daughter. However, it is later revealed that this catastrophic event was not a natural disaster but rather a manifestation of Dani's uncontrolled powers, in the form of the entity known as the Demon Bear.

William Lonestar's death plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative of The New Mutants. It not only propels Dani into the central conflict of the story, sending her to a secret facility designed to help young mutants control their powers, but it also becomes a defining moment in Dani's character development. Her father's sacrifice serves as an emotional anchor for her journey toward self-acceptance and mastery of her abilities.

The Impact of Adam Beach’s Roles in the Comic Book Cinematic Universe

Although Adam Beach’s characters in both Suicide Squad and The New Mutants had limited screen time, their deaths had significant impacts on their respective films. Slipknot’s death, while shocking, ultimately underscored the real danger the characters faced, even if the film failed to maintain this tension throughout. In contrast, William Lonestar’s death in The New Mutants was thematically more profound, deeply influencing the protagonist’s emotional journey and the film's overarching narrative.

While neither film achieved critical acclaim, Adam Beach’s performances in these roles demonstrated his ability to bring depth and emotion to characters who, despite their brief appearances, left lasting impressions on the stories they were part of.